John Stanley Grube

Bellville native John Stanley Grube departed this life on November 22, 2025, at the age of 83, following several years of complications from a stroke. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Nancy, beloved father to his three sons, and proud grandfather of six.

John, a sixth-generation native of Bellville and Austin County, was born in Bellville on April 7, 1942, to Margaret Barry Grube and John Grube. He descended from the Glenn and Umland families, early pioneers and settlers of the region. Raised in Bellville, he attended local schools and graduated from Bellville High School in 1960.

John went on to study at the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. He began his career in Houston with Tenneco, Inc., working in the energy and natural gas industry. After receiving his Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law in 1972, he devoted more than 40 years to the field as a natural gas attorney, holding leadership positions with several energy and pipeline companies.

Upon retiring in 2009, John and Nancy returned to Bellville, building a home near his childhood residence. Deeply committed to community service, John remained active both as a part-time attorney and through extensive civic involvement. He was a member of the Bellville Lions Club, serving as president during 2012-2013, and held board and leadership roles with organizations including Bellville St. Joseph Health Center, the Bellville St. Joseph Healthcare Council, and CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. His dedication to education and history was reflected in his work with Raising Academic Performance (RAP), the Bellville Historical Society, the Austin County Historical Commission, and the Bellville Turnverein Restoration Project. He also served as president of the Oak Knoll Cemetery Association.

A passionate supporter of the University of Texas, John served as president of the Austin County Chapter of the Texas Exes and was known for his steadfast enthusiasm for the Texas Longhorn sports teams.

His faith and devotion to Bellville Methodist Church were evident in his leadership as president of the Board of Trustees, as well as his participation in the Chancel Choir, Methodist Men, and the Disciples Sunday school class. John was also a trained Stephen Minister and contributed regularly as a devotional writer.

Retirement afforded John opportunities to pursue his love of writing and the English language, resulting in several completed family histories and a novel. Among his creative works was a play parodying the founding of Bellville. He remained an inquisitive reader and researcher, deeply engaged with learning and exploring life's possibilities and mysteries.

John was recognized for his sharp wit, dry humor, and talent for storytelling, qualities that brought joy and laughter to friends and family. He touched many lives in his community and beyond, and will be deeply missed.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons John Stanley Grube III and wife Megan of Cedar Park, Robert Ryan Jaster and Maranda of Bulverde, and Patrick Derek Jaster and wife Amanda of New Braunfels; grandchildren Emerson, Sutton, Cole, Rhett, Cade, and Reid; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his two cats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Grube; his half-brother, Ernest Russell Wilson; and his first wife, Pamela.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at Bellville Methodist Church on Friday, December 5th, at 11 am. Following the service, a reception will be held in the MAC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to any of the charities mentioned above, or to a charity of choice.